Celebrating the Life of Kenneth Vernon Auld

Kenneth Vernon Auld (Kenny, Ken) beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Ken was born on August 2, 1947, in Minnesota to Doris Jeanette (Goodman) Auld and Frank Benjamin Auld. He grew up in a close-knit, faith-filled home with his mother and sister, Nancy. His father passed away when Ken was just two years old. Doris never remarried, raising her children with devotion and faith and instilling in Kenny the belief that family is everything.

After serving in the Army in the Vietnam era, working on helicopters, Ken attended St. Cloud University while putting himself through school by working on the railroad. His college years were full of friendships, laughter, and mischief he later shared with his children.

Ken built a respected career in the furniture industry, helping manufacturers design, develop, and sell furniture and home accent lines, earning trust and lasting friendships.

Above all, Ken was a devoted father and grandfather. He loved taking his children and grandchildren on adventures — trips to the beach, walks along Orange County piers, and errands that became special moments. He introduced his family to the arts, from trips to Santa Fe to seeing Phantom of the Opera in LA, and encouraged church camp and other experiences that shaped their lives.

Many summers were spent at Warner Springs, where Ken was convinced he became a bronze god — though his Scandinavian skin was mostly sunburn. He took his son to Venice Beach to train with world-renowned bodybuilders at a pivotal time in his young teen years — an experience that helped spark a lifelong love of health, fitness, and strength. Ken always tried to notice what his kids were passionate about and did everything he could to help make it happen, and was really good at giving pep-talks at just the right time. He also celebrated birthdays with Toys "R" Us adventures and ensured holidays were joyful for others, often buying meals for families in need.

Ken found joy in life's simple pleasures: making Swedish pancakes for his kids and their friends, chocolate chip cookies, coffee with friends, watching his loved ones open christmas gifts, going fishing with his kids, playing racquetball, tennis, shooting hoops in the backyard and long walks with his beloved dogs. He had a playful spirit, often giving friends & loved ones nicknames, teasing cheerfully, and bringing home dogs without telling his wife at the time. He ended calls with his signature phrase, "I'll be talking atcha," and the last words he said to his daughter Christine were, "I don't know when or how, but I'll be seeing you soon."

A deeply spiritual man, Ken made Saddleback Church his home long before it became a large community and later faithfully volunteered on the early morning Terrace Café coffee crew. He also gave back in countless ways, including volunteering for the Dream Center in LA and traveling with his church and family to help at an orphanage in Mexico.

Ken is survived by his sister Nancy and her husband Dave; daughter Christine Christensen, son Brandon Auld and his wife Sally; grandchildren Serena, Ryder, Ariel Christensen, and Justin Auld; niece Cindy Yaeger and her husband Paul; nephew Darwin Nueske and his wife Sue; niece Melissa Gauderman and her husband Tony; his son-in-law Peter Catranis; Anthony Arismendi; and his former wife Lucy Cocores. He is preceded in death by his daughter Michelle Catranis, his parents Frank Benjamin Auld and Doris Jeanette Auld, and his beloved dogs Rusty #1, Rusty #2, Passion, Sugar, Daisy, and Aspen.

Ken's family misses him deeply. He was a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend. His laughter, generosity, and warmth touched everyone he met. He was always thinking of how to help others, and we are all better for having known him. His spirit, joy, and love will live in our hearts forever.

To view the webcasting of service, click HERE .

If you would like to send flowers for Kenneth's Service, you can contact La Tulipe Floral Designs,
(949) 249-1190, latulipefloraldesigns.com